Fantasy football preview: Week 5

Hey Falcoholics! It’s time to talk fantasy football. Last week, the Atlanta Falcons continued their losing streak, falling to 0-4 against the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. This week the team will face their first divisional opponent of 2020, the Carolina Panthers.

Before we look at this weekend’s game against the Panthers, let’s review week 4. Last week was odd fantasy-wise. Falcons’ Calvin Ridley has been one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football this year. Against the Packers, Ridley was a disappointment for those who roster him, as he failed to record a single catch. My call of the week last week was Packers’ tight end Robert Tonyan, who recorded 6 receptions for 98 yards and three touchdowns. He’s now rostered in 70% of fantasy leagues.

“Someone I consider a very deep flex play this week is Packers tight end Robert Tonyan. Tonyan has had back-to-back games with a touchdown and the Falcons have allowed the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. In a game where I expect a shootout, if you need a tight end flier, look no further than Tonyan, who is rostered in only 7% of leagues.”

Falcons vs. Panthers

This week the Falcons have a few favorable matchups against the Panthers. Todd Gurley should continue to produce as the Panthers are currently allowing the 2nd most fantasy points to opposing running backs, allowing 5.1 yards per attempt. The Panthers pass defense has been relatively stingy this season, so a smart gameplan for the Falcons would be to use Gurley early and often.

On the Panthers side of things; if you’re desperate for a tight end, look no further than Ian Thomas. Thomas had some big shoes to fill this season as Greg Olsen departed for the Seattle Seahawks during the offseason. Thomas got it going finally last week recording his first touchdown of the season, and this week faces a Falcons team allowing the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Also, Thomas is available currently in 91% of leagues.

League-wide outlook

Looking at players currently available in 50% or more fantasy leagues, how about Los Angeles Chargers running back Justin Jackson? Now, keep in mind that Jackson is playing backup currently to Joshua Kelly who is the starter with Austin Ekeler being out several weeks. Jackson though I think is an overall better running back than Kelly, and has a real chance of taking the job from him over the next several weeks.

Not to double back to the Falcons game, but if you’re desperate for a quarterback play this week, Teddy Bridgewater should do well for the Panthers. The Falcons are currently giving up the most points to opposing quarterbacks and are allowing the 4th most yards per passing attempt (8.4) in 2020. He’s still available in 51% of leagues, and has a very favorable matchup this week, unfortunately. Lastly, if you need a decent wide receiver, New Orleans Saints’ Tre’Quan Smith is available in 68% of fantasy leagues. He has been Brees’ main target with Michael Thomas missing time, and even when he returns, is likely cemented as the second-best receiving option.

Well that does it, folks. I wish everyone who took the time to read this the best of luck in their Week 5 fantasy matchups. Every week I’ll be doing a fantasy football preview, so send me some questions before every Thursday and I’ll answer them here. You can ask in the comments below or on Twitter at @EvanBirchfield.